FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT CHILDHOOD OBESITY - PAGE 2

Since the president took office, first lady Michelle Obama has led an admirable effort to spotlight the growing problem of childhood obesity. Her "Let's Move" campaign has focused on motivating children to choose healthier foods to eat and to exercise more — and mandating what our children eat in public schools. Late last year, President Barack Obama signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, giving the federal government power to regulate food choices offered in school lunch lines and vending machines.

Sometimes the point isn't winning the race, or even being competitive, it's about getting off the couch and into the race. That's the message behind Sunday's Let's Move Florida Trail Run at Oleta River State Park in North Miami. The event was conceived to provide impetus to the Let's Move Florida initiative that is part of Michelle Obama's nationwide campaign to confront the problem of childhood obesity. "Obesity in children, and obesity in general, there no bigger killer in America today," said Henri Crockett, who along with brother Zack heads the Crockett Foundation, which has joined with another nonprofit organization, FLIPANY, as the driving forces behind Sunday's event and the Let's Move Florida movement (letsmoveflorida.

For kids in Florida, the start of a school year can be full of challenges, including new schedules, earlier bedtimes and homework assignments. Incorporating healthy eating and exercise into that equation doesn't always happen, and most kids don't realize the impact poor nutrition and lack of physical activity can have on their health. Childhood obesity is one of our nation's leading health threats. Today, about 12 million kids are overweight, and 12 million more are at risk of becoming overweight.

A recent study that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that the rate of obesity among children has leveled off after 25 years of steady growth. Although some may disagree, I suggest there is little cause for celebration. In the United States, the proportion of children who are overweight has more than doubled since 1977. It is staggering to realize that one third of the children are now considered overweight or obese based on the common screening tool of Body Mass Index.

Children worldwide are getting fatter, a trend that does not bode well for long-term good health, according to a study by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "We are well aware of the rapid change of childhood obesity in the United States," said Barry M. Popkin, professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina and a lead author of the study. "What the world is not aware of is that this is a trend going on worldwide." The study, which appears in the December issue of the Journal of Nutrition, examined childhood-obesity trends in Russia, China, Brazil and South Africa, four countries that account for more than half the world's population.

The Dec. 25 article, "Parents in denial about obesity," comes as no surprise. As a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist, I often treat children with obesity. Weight-related issues, which have been an adult epidemic for years, have now affected children in epidemic proportions as well. These include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and Type II Diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes. Unfortunately, the keys to treatment lie more with prevention than cure. Parents must take an active role in their children's health and not expect a once yearly checkup (if that!

Americans don't want a junk food tax, but they would welcome some government involvement in the fight against obesity -- especially when it comes to kids. Dr. David Blumenthal, director of Harvard University's Interfaculty Program for Health Systems Improvement, told participants at an obesity conference recently at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston that a new survey shows little support for intrusive measures to curb obesity. But the Harvard-sponsored poll found strong backing for government intervention to help children control their weight -- even if it means higher taxes.

Childhood obesity has doubled in the past two decades; meanwhile, youth sports participation is higher than ever. How can that be? Is it because three hours a week at the field just can't get it done? Or are team sports not the right activity? Or maybe high-calorie foods and sedentary lifestyles are just too overpowering, and if it weren't for youth sports, childhood obesity would be even worse? You can find support for all three reasons above, but this much is clear: If your child is overweight, you need to think about what role team sports will play in any solution.

Twice a week, 16-year-old Taylor Tuerk visits the Boca Raton Life Time Fitness center for a two-hour session with his personal trainer, Ryan Byars. "Stay focused with me," says Byars, tossing a 10-pound ball to Taylor, working his thighs and arms on a recent afternoon. "Don't take it easy on me," Byars shouts. "Harder than that." Increasingly, South Florida health clubs are becoming familiar territory for teens like Taylor, and younger kids, who are motivated to get in shape. Parents, now more than ever, are working with health professionals and personal trainers to combat rising rates of childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles early.